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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,833 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,797 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,998 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,024 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,015 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $116,986 | $56.24 | +2.4% |
| 2025 | $114,203 | $54.91 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $110,390 | $53.07 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $106,730 | $51.31 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $104,407 | $50.20 | +1.6% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 222 | 32% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 875 | 12% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 773 | 11% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 457 | 11% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 119 | 9% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 93 | 9% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,247 | 8% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 687 | 8% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 240 | 8% |
| 10 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,402 | 7% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 840 | 7% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 770 | 7% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 418 | 7% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 379 | 7% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 238 | 7% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 71 | 7% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 377 | 6% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 319 | 6% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 81 | 6% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 39 | 6% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $94,843 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $106,940 |
| 3 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $111,941 |
| 4 | Bellevue | 1 | 1% | $133,990 |
| 5 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $113,885 |
| 6 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $89,347 |
| 7 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $90,953 |
| 8 | Mountain View | 1 | 1% | $165,843 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $80,867 |
| 10 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $166,493 |
| 11 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $87,515 |
| 12 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $113,942 |
| 13 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $101,406 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $124,346 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $91,500 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $107,672 |
| 17 | New York | 1 | 0% | $115,118 |
| 18 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $71,260 |
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Moravian College
Ferris State University
University of Northern Iowa
Marywood University
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College
Montana State University - Bozeman
University of Rhode Island
Howard University
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
SUNY Oneonta

Art Academy of Cincinnati

Albion College
Georgia Southern University

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Fairleigh Dickinson University
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Dr. Mary Elliott: Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
Dr. Mary Elliott: The fashion industry is one of the largest industries in the world. According to McKinsey & Company, if the fashion industry were a country measuring GDP, it would be the 7th largest economy in the world. The fashion industry encompasses all of the processes needed to take raw product to finished textiles and then to the finished product ready for purchasing by the consumer. This diverse, fast-paced, constantly changing industry is generally divided into two categories for preparation purposes: the creative side and the business side.
Dr. Mary Elliott: Because this industry is constantly changing and adapting to economic forces around the world, its employees need to be highly flexible critical thinkers who love working in fast-paced environments.
Dr. Joyce Stoner: Skills in imaging, Macro-XRF, weave counting, and cross-section microscopy are more and more important for practitioners in painting conservation in private work, regional centers, or in museums.
Dr. Joyce Stoner: Seek to work with a strong mentor in your specialty for at least the first three years after finishing graduate school. It is always good to be working with a group in any case, to share ideas and experiences as you make decisions.
Dr. Joyce Stoner: Salaries are not very high in art conservation as you start out. But if you work with a mentor, publish and give talks, have a high profile for your knowledge and expertise, and eventually go into private work, especially in modern and contemporary paintings, to my knowledge that is where the higher salaries are found.
Moravian College
Fine And Studio Arts
Dr. MaryJo Rosania-Harvie: Definitely leadership skills - having the ability to express their ideas and be open to feedback; and the ability to give effective feedback. Artists learn to do this in school through critique and sharing their work with an audience. Also, entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, and always creativity.
Dr. MaryJo Rosania-Harvie: For someone beginning their career, I would advise them to consider the problem-solving and critical thinking skills they developed in school, and highlight those skills when meeting with potential employers and clients. They can consider themselves entrepreneurs, and should try to be flexible and open-minded.
Gina Pisut Ph.D.: 3D Design and AI technology for fashion design and product development. Their use for improving cost, efficiency and customer experience is pivotal. However, there will never be a replacement for the human element that contributes to fashion creativity.
Gina Pisut Ph.D.: In addition to being well versed in computer design software for Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising graduates, students need to truly be open to learning, have strong communication skills, and be able to work well in a team. The most common feedback we get from fashion and retail companies is students must be willing to do the work, be open to learning and doing different aspects of the business, and be adaptable and able to pivot when changes come within this fast-paced industry.
Gina Pisut Ph.D.: Students should think in terms of always gaining experience or transferrable skills in every part-time job or volunteer experience. This can be incremental over time. In these positions, think in terms of build something with the company you are at. This may be a customer experience, a product, or a process. What this does is show your value to a new company and provide you a means to negotiate your worth.
Patrick Klarecki: The Printing and Packaging Industry has had a strong history of employing college graduates each year. In my 28 years as faculty/administrator for the Graphic Communication and Graphic Media Management degrees, we have always had 3-6 jobs available for each of our graduates. Even through the 2008 economy, we were able to celebrate full employment for our graduates.
Patrick Klarecki: Graduates in May 2020 and December 2020 did not see the opportunities their previous alumni did. We were able to place only about 25% of our graduates. There are a couple that have offers of employment "When things get better."
Patrick Klarecki: Recent projections from the Printing United Alliance show business owners are optimistic about 2021 and see their needs returning to "Pre-COVID" levels by the end of 2021 or early 2022. The workforce in our industry continues to age, technology continues to evolve, and young minds' needs will prevail.
University of Northern Iowa
Department of Art
Elizabeth Sutton: There are many--the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively is absolutely necessary. The ability to ask for feedback and be able to take that feedback and incorporate it into a process is very important. Of course, meeting deadlines is also very important.
Marywood University
Art Department
Sue Jenkins: It might be too soon to tell. At Marywood U., 97% of 2019 grads are employed or going to grad school, but we don't have figures yet for the class of 2020. What we have seen since March 2020 is an increase in remote internships and employment opportunities. This COVID-adaptive type of flexibility will likely influence how employers hire and retain designers in the post-COVID world.
Sue Jenkins: A strong understanding of the Principles and Elements of Art and Design, killer typography skills, an understanding of color theory, some training in sociology and psychology to gain a better understanding of user experience, creative and critical thinking skills, attention to details, a strong conceptual framework that supports the project goals, the ability to speak up, take critical feedback and be a team player, and above all the courage to be authentic and bring something fresh to the table.
Sue Jenkins: Before saying what stands out most, there's one thing to avoid; those skill self-assessment bar graphs that take up too much real estate and don't provide the reader with valid, useful data. A better solution is to list skills and proficiency in years, such as Adobe Photoshop, three years.
Now, what stands out most on a resume is evidence of creative engagement beyond the classroom. Has the student been a member of any clubs? Won any awards? Have you participated in any solo or group exhibitions and completed any internships, pro bono, or freelance work? Have you worked on any side projects? Run an Etsy, Society6, or RedBubble account? Sold any commissioned work? Definitely include all these types of activities along with any tangible outcomes and achievements, like "Designed a series of digital documents that downsized paper waste and reduced the client's carbon footprint by 13%." Results-oriented statements provide a better sense of the designer's understanding of their role and their value to an organization.
Santa Monica College
Photo, Fashion Department
Lorrie Ivas: The most important skills are to be technically proficient - whether it means in the product development phase (Adobe Creative Suite, TukaTech, CLO, et al) or production tracking and/ or sales arena (AIMS360, et al). It is important to know both the "hand" skills as well as the "digital" skills, as both are important to the company you will work for as you begin your career.
Santa Monica College
Photo, Fashion Department
Lorrie Ivas: Knowledge of the "entire" design process - from hand sketch to drape, draft, construction, digital skills in pattern drafting and design (i.e., Tukatech, Clo or similar), Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop/Illustrator for presentation (look books, colorways, etc.) - is a standout, even though the actual position applying for may not require seasoned skills in every single step. The employer likes to know that the designer "gets" the process.
Companies like to see versatility... so even if a designer shows amazing swimwear in their portfolio, it is always important to show versatility in other design categories (and obviously whatever category the hiring company sells). Companies like to see what you can do for them and what they didn't realize you can do for them - i.e., new ideas in product collaborations, your genuine sustainability commitment, social media skills, etc.
Lorrie Ivas: Love the actual definition of "soft skills": personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
What is often overlooked is communicating professionally via email, text, phone, and/or personal interactions. Basic business etiquette is very important. Fashion is a creative field, yet it is also a business ... and professionalism always stands out... Attention to detail will set one apart from the others. So many resumes come in with spelling errors! It is often just one page! Not proofing once - and then proofing again, and then having someone else's fresh eyes proof it one more time - shows a lack of attention to detail.
Design is a collaborative proposition, so the ability to share ideas with a team is vital.
And again, knowledge of social media platforms, where professional and creative communication/writing skills are as important as the photographs, represents someone who will be a valuable addition to a design firm.
Lorrie Ivas: The ability to communicate your design concepts to the team (or future boss/interviewer) is vital. Hand and digital fashion sketching and illustration skills are necessary at every step. Scholarships, competitions, or internships often request a sample portfolio, so it doesn't go any further if the illustrations don't "wow" the judging viewer. One can sew/tailor beautifully, but knowing how to "show" that skillset to the judge or employer is vital - i.e., photographing the step-by-step process with close-up details of tailoring skills and presenting it digitally... will win. One may not show actual garments... so knowing how to "sell" your skills is crucial.
Lorrie Ivas: Digital skills are the "unique" differential in being the most valuable to a company today, as international communication resampling and production are all done online. And as mentioned in the above questions, the traditional "hands-on" skills coupled with digital skills are the best mix.
I co-authored a Fairchild/Bloomsbury fashion textbook years ago (2006) entitled "From Pencil to Pen Tool: Understanding and Creating the Digital Fashion Image" since there wasn't a formalized curriculum including Photoshop and Illustrator training for fashion students. All the job opportunities required software skills, but graphic designers were applying because they had those software skills... but didn't have the fashion skills. Now, thankfully, college programs across the country provide appropriate training.
Tracy Sullivan: If you know exactly what avenue of graphic design you want to pursue, then any additional coursework or related experience showcasing you understand what that role entails will help. As a hiring manager, what gets my attention most is someone with a solid portfolio...excellent type handling skills, attention to detail, a good mix of graphic styles, and of course creativity. During an interview, I want to see enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. On the job, I want to see software skills enhancing creativity, not impeding it.
Tracy Sullivan: The pandemic has been a giant leap forward for encouraging remote work. I expect that to continue beyond the pandemic. The creative industry is not new to utilizing contractors and freelancers off-site, so the confidence in their ability to get work done has always been high, but I think this will expand to permanent employees having the opportunity to work remotely where ever they are inspired.
Elaine Grullón: One of the biggest trends, in my opinion, we will see in the job market is the need to be adaptable and flexible. It is important to be able to solve and think on your feet, while at the same decipher through the cluster of noise to distinguish the difference between good and great marketing. The pandemic has forced marketing to evolve at a higher rate of speed due to need but now it will become a requirement where theory and concept needs to meet up with practice and logic.
Elaine Grullón: Some technical skills that stand out to employers is the ability to combine the manual with the technology, in other words combining the old and new media. The rise of new media has caused a need to understand social media but not just the practical but the functional side which includes data analysis. You have to be able to answer questions related to why this trend or if not favorable how we can make improvements. It is all about adaptability and responding to a change in need or even want. Also having knowledge on using computer aided programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or even InDesign, it is important to be able to perform technical writing. Marketing is all about catching the consumers attention in that first moment. Without an understanding of design, and the principles and elements that go alongside the purpose of great marketing will be defeated.
Alexander McSwain: Any job out of college is a good job, but finding a job with opportunity for growth is key. That will depend on the individual and what their personal goals are. Any job that allows you to grow within the company or one that supports your personal aspirations within or outside the company is a good job. It is equally what you can bring to the company and what they can offer you as a company.
Abby Guido: We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.
Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.
Abby Guido: Our field is constantly changing and adapting; sometimes it moves so fast you cannot keep up. The areas I see growing are in AR/VR and experiential design.
Abby Guido: Designers can be well-compensated for their work. Some design areas are more lucrative than others, which tend to be the jobs in digital design. These jobs include user-experience design, experiential design, interactive design, motion design, and all AR and VR design positions.
Katherine Spitzhoff: Employers are looking for a broad set of skills. Young designers must be comfortable with producing assets for screen as well as files for print. They must have empathy for the experience of the user of the product they are designing. They must be able to think strategically to coordinate design with the business goals of an organization. They must think of how designs will translate through many different mediums. Newer areas of design such as instructional design or interactive infographics are seeking qualified individuals.
Young graduates should express that they are willing and able to learn new software and new skills on the job. Many companies require the basic skills of Adobe software but may also have proprietary software that is specialized for their area. Asking questions about the software might show the future employer that the candidate is ready to learn more.
A knowledge of coding is a strong plus when competing with other recent design graduates. Even if you are not filling the role of the person who builds the site, knowledge of coding will help you design so that the digital product will function correctly and be pleasant for the user.
Young design graduates must also be prepared to enter a professional community has become more inclusive and socially aware than it was in earlier decades. Many design projects are influenced by issues of environmental impact and social causes. It is advantageous to have portfolio pieces that show an awareness of the role that design plays in creating positive change.
Katherine Spitzhoff: Experience that shows great organization, communication skills and time management will be sought after by employers. Internships and real-life clients will show a commitment to becoming a professional and will create portfolio pieces that are valued.
Any experience that involves being part of a team and being able to take direction and handle responsibility should be expressed on the resume. Taking positions of leadership, even outside of design, are good for an employer to know about. A young person should not hesitate to list such things as being on the e-board of a club or organizing food drives.
Recent graduates are encouraged to join professional organizations such as AIGA or The Graphic Artists Guild. Showing membership on a resume and LinkedIn page helps to convey the serious intent of the person entering the design field. The resources of these organizations are excellent and there are networks to help with the transition to being a professional.

Mark Thomas: Technical skills will of course be important to know. Understanding how to use industry standard software, communication platforms, a range of electronic devices and even a perfunctory understanding of User Interface and coding. But more important, graduates need "experience learning" prior to graduation in the four "C" 21st century skills-communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Students studying in the visual arts and design, performing and literary arts have been learning the four "Cs" for decades. More recently, business and government have recognized the power of these skills and the people who know them, which has empowered graduates of arts degrees with more flexibility and leverage in the "new" workplace.

Lisa TenHulzen: This is a big question. Because of the financial strains the pandemic has placed on the entertainment industry, I suspect we will see trends towards smaller cast shows as well as simpler productions, overall. I believe this will help to ease some of the financial burdens a large cast and crew can place on a theatre, as well as help ease the audience back into a sense of security. Depending on the location of the production, an audience might not feel comfortable attending a large-scale performance. Smaller shows lend themselves better to smaller audiences. All of this to say, I believe theatre jobs will be in short supply for quite some time. At least until theatres are able to make up some of the financial losses. This means hiring will be limited to core positions of production such as directors, stage managers, technical directors, designers, and only a few technicians. For smaller theatres, we will most likely see theatre artists taking on multiple jobs within the production.
Lisa TenHulzen: What skills need to be enhanced really depends on the area of the theatre they traditionally worked in. For makers and artisans, I would suggest pursuing any hobby or job that will continue to stretch your creative side. You do not want to go for an extended period of time without making something with your hands. The same goes for the directors and actors, but find something where you can use your creative analysis and presentation skills. Start a podcast, read new plays, make videos, etc. The skill of a theatre artist can stagnate if it is not used. Take advantage of the time you have, and pursue a personal creative project.
Lisa TenHulzen: Work hard. I don't have to tell you that being successful in the theatre business is extremely difficult, even at the best of times. Post-pandemic, I believe this will be even harder. You have to be able to push yourself to become stronger, more professional and more driven than you ever anticipated. Being in the theatre professionally is not easy, and if you expect it to be, you are in the wrong field. Even the most talented among us have to work their tails off to be successful. Pursue anything and everything that comes your way, be kind to your colleagues, and be collaborative. Understand that there are 100 more artists waiting to take your place, so treat each position with the respect it deserves. One thing that will not change post-pandemic is how small the theatre world is and how much that can help or hinder you based on the relationships you build.
Georgia Southern University
School of Human Ecology
Hope Wallace Simpara: Right now some of the best companies to work for are companies that are still showing steady sales and some growth. We have heard from industry professionals that apparel and beauty companies with a strong online presence and companies that specialize in soft goods are seeing growth. The loungewear and athleisure (indoor fashion) based companies have seen less of a decline in sales. Some of these companies are Walmart, the Williams-Sonoma brands, Target, Venus, Zara, Levis, H&M, American Eagle, Walmart, discount stores like Ross, TJX brands. Bath and Body Works was slammed with unprecedented demand for some of its products, including hand sanitizer and hand soap, and has since been able to minimize projected store closings.
Hope Wallace Simpara: Strangely a lot of the job postings that I have seen lately are international postings. The best places to look for employment in fashion and related industries are Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, the Midwest, Seattle and Portland, Texas, Miami and Atlanta.

Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: COVID-19 accelerated the widespread use of e-commerce, and omnichannel retailing has never been more vital. Consumers are doing their research before purchasing a product, or even going into a brick-and-mortar store, making technology even more important in our word. People entering the job market know how to utilize different technologies to allow company operations to be more transparent and efficient. Job candidates must be comfortable with data analytics and forecasting future challenges. During times of industry disruption, job candidates with a broad knowledge of the industry, including product development and design, supply chain and sourcing, merchandising, and textile science will be more desirable.
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: The retail industry is robust and requires many skills. Content and industry-related knowledge are essential, including comfort with computer applications like Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Excel. Beyond knowledge of the industry, job candidates need excellent communication skills in written and oral forms. It's also highly recommended that job candidates have work experience in their area of interest, which could include an internship, job shadow, or part-time position.
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: Job opportunities are everywhere in this industry. Keep an eye on your favorite brands and the location of their corporate offices. In particular, the Midwest is home to many corporate offices. There have been shifts for other offices to move to the Midwest to take advantage of its centralized location in the United States. Thus, the industry is all around us!

Janet O'Neil: If students do not have web design skills yet, they can develop a Behance or Adobe portfolio site and keep updating it. Students can look for awards, contests, and online exhibitions to enter. They can join design groups and develop relationships with professors and other design students for networking and feedback. Designers should not always look for accolades but should be open to criticism and learning through their failures. They can keep current in design and illustration trends by reading books, magazines, and blogs and by sharing their work and knowledge. They might create some online videos on how to illustrate or design because teaching always helps the facilitator as much as the learner. Above all, look for ways to stay positive and be grateful for what they do have in life! One day, the pandemic will be history, and new doors will open up. In the words of my beloved mother, "This too shall pass."
Louisiana State University and A&M College
College of Art and Design
Mark Boyer: I don't think the skill set needed will change much from what it has been. Qualities that come to mind are: teachable, reliable, thoughtful, articulate, adaptable, engaged, critical thinker, technologically adept, able to think big and small, empathetic, and good listener.
Mark Boyer: I think an employer would be better to answer this question, but my speculation is that experience as an intern in an office would be important, any experience that would be in an area related to a direction the firm is going or type of projects they are pursuing. I think any type of construction or building experience would be of interest.
Mark Boyer: I would think that those who have gone through this experience will be changed in ways we still have yet to learn. Some of those changes will be positive (adaptability, endurance, resiliency), and some may be negative (depression, loss of family members or jobs).